Subaru's very first EV, the Solterra mid-sized SUV, offers the suburbs something a little different, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

It's hard to find an EV that's properly capable off-tarmac. For the time being, Subaru's Solterra is probably as close as you're going to get to a full-battery-powered model delivering that kind of capability to any great extent. Developed with Toyota, it's the brand's first purpose-built EV and includes quite a lot of what Subaru's learned in the last few decades about off road technology.

Background

What will the Subaru of the future be like? It certainly can't be anything like the Subaru's of the present - and in this age of electrification, must be far removed from the Subarus of the past. So the brand has brought us this, the all-electric Solterra, the name derived from a combination of the Latin words for 'sun' and 'earth'. This car comes with a pledge from its brand - that existing Subaru customers "can feel it is truly a Subaru". Well that could be a stretch because, as you might notice if you've been following the EV market lately, this car shares most everything with its close cousin, the Toyota bZ4X. To be fair, the Solterra isn't merely a re-badged design. The company has played at least an equal part in the development both of the car itself and the EV platform it sits on, called 'e-TNGA' by Toyota and 'e-Subaru Global Platform' by Subaru. It's all part of a move by the marque towards electrification, though its targets are decidedly modest. By 2030, when many manufacturers will have switched to an all-EV range, Subaru hopes that 40% of its model line-up will have full-battery power. A change which starts right here.

Driving Experience

Inevitably, Subaru had a lot to say over the configuration of the 4WD system - in this case a twin motor drivetrain - for this joint venture model. The company has engineered in its 'X-Mode' system to enhance this EV's off-road credentials. And added in a 'Grip Control' mode enabling the Solterra to travel more stably at speed over rough trails. The pair of 107bhp motors, one on each axle, develops 214bhp and rest to 62mph is dispatched in 7.7s. Power, as with the Toyota bZ4X, comes from a 71.4kWh battery which offers 289 miles of range for the base 'Limited' model (it's 257 miles for the top 'Touring' version). For the future, there's also a single motor front-driven model with 201bhp, a range of 330 miles and a 0-62mph time of 8.4s. Subaru expects the majority of customers though, to want the dual motor variant, with drivetrain electronics that claim to offer precise control of each wheel through the turns and 'flexible driving force between front and rear'. The strong, stiff 'e-Subaru Global Platform', allied to a low centre of gravity due to battery placement, should limit body roll through the turns. Subaru is also planning a higher performance STI version. Across the range, the steering is interesting. It's an innovative 'steer-by-wire' system which removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front axle. The engineers reckon that this enhances control because the directional influences of rough surfaces and braking are minimised. And, to suit the EV mood of the moment, there's a 'single pedal' driving mode, which maximises regenerative braking to the extent that you'll hardly ever have to use the actual brake pedal unless coming to a complete stop.

Design and Build

This Solterra is pretty much the same size as Subaru's conventional Forester SUV, measuring 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,650mm tall. It shares most of its body panels with its Toyota bZ4X development cousin, but gets its own front grille and headlamp design to link into the look of the brand's existing models. Huge black wheel arch extensions house rims of between 18 and 20-inches in size. It's all broadly representative of what we saw from the brand's 'EV Concept' car, unveiled in 2021. As you'd expect, the interior pretty much duplicates that of the bZ4X too. So there's a compact instrument pack behind the wheel with a 7-inch screen. And the usual large wide infotainment monitor at the top of the centre stack. It's all very modern and feels particularly light and airy with the optional twin sunroof arrangement fitted. But what's most impressive about this cabin is the amount of space you get in the back, thanks to this design's particularly long wheelbase. It's around 900mm, which is comparable to what you'd get from a boardroom-level luxury saloon. Boot capacity isn't quite as large as you get from one of those but at 452-litres, it should be more than adequate for the needs of most likely owners.

Market and Model

The asking figures start from around £50,000 - that's for the base 'Limited' model; for £53,000, you can get the plusher 'Touring' version. Both variants are well equipped. Even the base 'Limited' gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a multimedia system with an 8-inch display, a 7-inch digital screen in the instrument binnacle, a reversing camera, smart keyless entry and a climate control system with a remote operation function that lets owners warm up or cool their car ahead of a making a journey. Options include roof rails and a towing pack. If you want more, plusher versions give you a powered tailgate, privacy glass, parking sensors and electrically adjustable heated front seats. The top trim level includes 20-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, Remote Control Parking Assist and a heated steering wheel.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure for this car in our 'Driving Experience' section - up to 289 miles for the 'Limited' version. For the future single motor front-driven model, it'd be more like 330 miles. An 80% charge of the 71.4kWh battery takes around 30 minutes, if you can find a suitably rapid charger. An optional 11kW AC charger in future will help with overnight charges for those with a compatible wall box. The brand says that the battery will hold 90% of its range for the first ten years of its life, aided by water cooling for the cells, with active thermal management of the battery further aiding durability and range. That range is optimised courtesy of an on-board solar charging system that aims to minimise the effect of cold weather on usability. As for the warranty, well as with all Subarus, there's the peace of mind of a five year / 100,000 mile package that embarrasses the three year / 60,000 mile package most rivals offer. You also get a three year recovery and roadside assistance programme you'll almost certainly never need.

Summary

The last few years have been truly dismal for Subaru: in the UK in 2020, the brand didn't even manage to sell a thousand cars. That's what you get for missing market trends - first, the move towards SUVs and now the trend for Electric Vehicles. The Solterra though, does at least belatedly introduce the company into the EV market - and with a very competitive product. If you already own a Subaru Forester or an Outback - perhaps you live in a rural area or on a farm - this is probably your future car. With its 'X-Mode' and 'Grip Control' systems, it's probably the best 4WD Electric Vehicle currently out there and with a set of chunky tyres, there won't be many places you currently take your Outback or Forester that you couldn't also take a Solterra. Which ought to broaden this car's appeal beyond Subaru loyalists. But we've said that before about new models from the brand, then seen the sales figures trickle in. Will this car be different? It needs to be. We think you should give it a chance.

Body Glass

Automatic rain sensing windscreen wipers

Front and rear power windows one-touch ascend and descend

Windscreen wiper de-icer

Privacy glass

Brakes

Hill descent control

Anti lock brake system + traction control

Auto vehicle hold

Electronic Stability Programme

Communication

Wireless Apple car play

Wired Android Auto

Bluetooth system

Driver Aids

Rear parking sensors

X-Mode

Driving Modes - Eco/Normal/Power

360 degree panoramic view monitor

Power assisted steering

Digital rear view camera with washer

Front parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Paddle Shifters behind Steering Wheel (for adjustment of Regenerative Braking)

eCall emergency system

Power tailgate

Driver Information

12.3" Multifunction colour touchscreen display

Trip computer

Satellite navigation system

Driver monitoring system

7" digital instrument cluster

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Memory function for door mirrors

Reverse gear tilting passenger door mirror

Electric folding door mirrors

Entertainment

Subaru infotainment and Harmon/Kardon audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer

DAB Digital radio

x4 Type-C USB ports and x2 in Row 1 & x2 in Row 2

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Roof spoiler

e-Subaru global platform

Wheel arch extensions

Body colour bumpers

Roof rails

Shark fin antenna

Fixed panoramic roof with electric sunblind

Exterior Lights

Adaptive high beam system (AHS)

Auto on/off headlights

LED Headlights

Follow me home lighting

LED front fog lights

High beam assist

LED daytime running lights

Third brake light

Headlight washers

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Dual zone automatic air conditioning system with anti-dust filter

Interior Features

Tilt/reach adjustable steering wheel

Synthetic leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Tonneau cover

Rear seat centre armrest

Leather wrapped steering wheel

Packs

Subaru safety sense pack - Solterra

Safety

Curtain SRS airbags

3x3 point rear seat belts

Child locks on rear doors

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Front side SRS airbags (driver & front passenger)

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front SRS airbags

Central side SRS airbags (driver & front passenger)

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Seats

Driver seat memory function

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Rear head restraints

Lumbar support on driver's seat

Recline function on rear seats

Electric driver's seat

Electric passenger seat

Front head restraints

Single front passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Security

Remote central locking

Immobiliser

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Wireless phone charging

Keyless smart entry with push button start

Transmission

Dual motor permanent AWD

Dual motor (80kW/axle)

Vehicle Charging

Charging cable - Type 2 to Type 2

Charging cable - Type 2 to UK Domestic plug

Wheels - Alloy

20" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1252

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 473

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 19

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 71.4

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 414

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 414

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 414

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 257

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 257

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 257

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 71.4

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Touring

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39E

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 79

NCAP Safety Assist %: 91

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 218

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.9

Top Speed: 100

Engine Power - BHP: 218

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 160

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 248

Engine Torque - NM: 336

Engine Torque - MKG: 34

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4690

Width: 1860

Wheelbase: 2850

Width (including mirrors): 2170

Height (including roof rails): 1650

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2040

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2550

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 441

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.2

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Additional mica paint

Crystal shine paint

Additional crystal shine paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Midnight black

Metallic - Precious Metal

Paint - Mica

Mica - Dark blue

Mica - Platinum white pearl

Paint - Special

Crystal shine - Emotional red

Crystal shine - Harbor mist grey pearl

Paint - Two Tone

Crystal shine - Two tone Harbor mist grey pearl with black roof

Trim - Leather

Synthetic leather - Black